General Information

Abstract

This European Standard specifies test methods for the verification of the loading capacity of shelf supports.
This standard does not apply to ceiling attached shelf support systems.
The tests consist of the application of vertical loads and forces simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse that might reasonably be expected to occur.
With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes.
The strength tests include only the shelf supports and their components as well as the attachment to the cabinet and/or to the wall. If the shelf support has additional functions, e.g. as a connector or as an extension element, these are not covered by this standard.
The test results are only valid for the shelf supports tested. The results may be used to represent the per-formance of production models provided that the tested model is representative of the production model.
The test results can only be used as a guide to the performance of the shelf supports.
With the exception of the corrosion test, ageing and influences of temperature and humidity are not included.
Annex A (normative) includes requirements for product information.
Annex B (normative) includes test parameters.
Annex C (informative) includes method for the determination of loading capacity.

Status
Published
Publication Date
04-Jun-2013
ICS
97.140 - Furniture
Technical Committee
CEN/TC 207 - Furniture
Drafting Committee
CEN/TC 207/WG 8 - Hardware for furniture
Current Stage
9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
Start Date
02-Dec-2024
Completion Date
02-Dec-2024
Ref Project
SIST EN 16337:2013 - Hardware for Furniture - Strength and loading capacity of shelf supports

Buy Documents

Overview

EN 16337:2013 - "Hardware for furniture - Strength and loading capacity of shelf supports" (CEN) specifies standardized test methods to verify the loading capacity and mechanical strength of shelf supports used in furniture. The standard covers vertical loading and impact forces that simulate normal functional use and foreseeable misuse. It excludes ceiling‑attached shelf support systems and does not address ageing or environmental influences except for a separate corrosion resistance test.

Key Topics

  • Scope and limits
    • Test methods apply to shelf supports and their components as mounted to a cabinet or wall. Additional connector functions are not covered.
    • Test results apply to the tested model and may represent production only if the sample is representative.
  • Verification of loading capacity
    • Definition of loading capacity M (mass in kg per shelf support).
    • Two main tests: impact test (repeated localized impacts) and sustained load test (uniform load for one week).
  • Test setup and equipment
    • Rigid test wall (deformation ≤ 1 mm), specified particleboard and melamine faced particleboard for shelves, and defined steel impact plates with rubber facing.
    • Masses and tolerances for forces, masses, dimensions and angles are specified to ensure repeatability.
  • Corrosion resistance
    • Performed separately (EN ISO 6270-2) when required: 3 cycles AHT (condensation with alternating humidity and temperature). Visible parts must show no corrosion and function must be maintained.
  • Requirements after testing
    • No safety‑affecting damage; loaded shelf inclination increase limited (wall mounts ≤ 2°).
  • Documentation
    • Test report must reference EN 16337, describe the sample, record pre‑test defects, results, product information details (Annex A), test facility and dates.

Applications

  • Intended for furniture manufacturers, hardware designers, test laboratories, product certification bodies and procurement/specification teams who need to:
    • Validate shelf support performance (loading capacity and durability).
    • Specify compliant shelf hardware in cabinets and wall‑mounted furniture.
    • Prepare product information and mounting instructions for end users.
  • Useful for quality control, product development, safety assessments and conformity evidence when selecting or supplying shelf supports.

Related standards

Normative references cited in EN 16337:2013 include:

  • EN 320 (axial withdrawal of screws)
  • EN 323 (density of wood‑based panels)
  • EN 14322 (melamine faced boards)
  • EN ISO 6270‑2 (corrosion / humidity condensation)
  • ISO 7619‑2 (rubber indentation hardness)

Keywords: EN 16337:2013, shelf supports, loading capacity, hardware for furniture, impact test, sustained load test, corrosion resistance, CEN, test methods.

Relations

Refers
ISO 7619-2:2010 - Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of indentation hardness — Part 2: IRHD pocket meter method
Effective Date
09-Feb-2026
Refers
EN 14322:2021 - Wood-based panels - Melamine faced boards for interior uses - Definition, requirements and classification
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Refers
EN ISO 6270-2:2025 - Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to humidity - Part 2: Condensation (in-cabinet exposure with heated water reservoir) (ISO 6270-2:2025)
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Refers
EN 320:2011 - Particleboards and fibreboards - Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Refers
EN 323:1993 - Wood-based panels - Determination of density
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026

Buy Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

EN 16337:2013 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Hardware for furniture - Strength and loading capacity of shelf supports". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies test methods for the verification of the loading capacity of shelf supports. This standard does not apply to ceiling attached shelf support systems. The tests consist of the application of vertical loads and forces simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse that might reasonably be expected to occur. With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes. The strength tests include only the shelf supports and their components as well as the attachment to the cabinet and/or to the wall. If the shelf support has additional functions, e.g. as a connector or as an extension element, these are not covered by this standard. The test results are only valid for the shelf supports tested. The results may be used to represent the per-formance of production models provided that the tested model is representative of the production model. The test results can only be used as a guide to the performance of the shelf supports. With the exception of the corrosion test, ageing and influences of temperature and humidity are not included. Annex A (normative) includes requirements for product information. Annex B (normative) includes test parameters. Annex C (informative) includes method for the determination of loading capacity.

This European Standard specifies test methods for the verification of the loading capacity of shelf supports. This standard does not apply to ceiling attached shelf support systems. The tests consist of the application of vertical loads and forces simulating normal functional use, as well as misuse that might reasonably be expected to occur. With the exception of the corrosion test in 6.4, the tests are designed to evaluate properties without regard to materials, design/construction or manufacturing processes. The strength tests include only the shelf supports and their components as well as the attachment to the cabinet and/or to the wall. If the shelf support has additional functions, e.g. as a connector or as an extension element, these are not covered by this standard. The test results are only valid for the shelf supports tested. The results may be used to represent the per-formance of production models provided that the tested model is representative of the production model. The test results can only be used as a guide to the performance of the shelf supports. With the exception of the corrosion test, ageing and influences of temperature and humidity are not included. Annex A (normative) includes requirements for product information. Annex B (normative) includes test parameters. Annex C (informative) includes method for the determination of loading capacity.

EN 16337:2013 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.140 - Furniture. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 16337:2013 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 7619-2:2010, EN 14322:2021, EN ISO 6270-2:2025, EN 320:2011, EN 323:1993. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 16337:2013 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Pohištveno okovje - Trdnost in nosilnost nosilcev policMöbelbeschläge - Festigkeit und Tragfähigkeit von BodenträgernQuincaillerie d'ameublement - Résistance mécanique et capacité de charge des supports d'étagèreHardware for Furniture - Strength and loading capacity of shelf supports97.140PohištvoFurnitureICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16337:2013SIST EN 16337:2013en,fr,de01-julij-2013SIST EN 16337:2013SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16337
June 2013 ICS 97.140 English Version
Hardware for furniture - Strength and loading capacity of shelf supports
Quincaillerie d'ameublement - Résistance mécanique et capacité de charge des supports d'étagère
Möbelbeschläge - Festigkeit und Tragfähigkeit von Bodenträgern This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 May 2013.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2013 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 16337:2013: ESIST EN 16337:2013

Requirements for product information . 11 A.1 General . 11 A.2 Field of application . 11 A.3 Loading capacity, M. 11 A.4 Adjustment systems . 11 A.5 Corrosion test . 11 A.6 Mounting instructions . 11 Annex B (normative)
Test parameters for impact plates (4.2.4) . 12 Annex C (informative)
Determination of loading capacity . 13 C.1 Determination of breaking load . 13 C.2 Calculation of loading capacity, M . 13 Bibliography . 14
...